So, this is one of those rare occasions that we the gamers have an opportunity to thank someone in the gaming industry, by nominating them as a Game Industry Hero. The title could use some work, but the idea is great.

Sins of a Solar Empire has shown that even insanely small "startup" companies can make very successful games. This is Ironclad's first game, though some members of the then-9 man team (they recently hired at least a 10th person! ) had their hand in the game industry before, namely Homeworld: Cataclysm and some others.

This is pretty rare these days, since the gaming industry is pretty brutal. It isn't uncommon for a developer to go out of business, and even publishers are sometimes not immune to financial issues. Millions and millions are poured into games and the resulting product fails to sell. Sins has shown that even in this environment, a well made game can do very well. It was really a sleeper hit. Not very many knew about it until it launched. There were ads, sure. Spreads in magazines, previews on popular gaming sites, but even then it never really sunk in until all around the 'net raving reviews started appearing.

In my eyes, the success of Sins and the Ironclad team's commitment to the game warrants the nomination. If you agree with me, click on the external link in above to read up on how to nominate and about the process.

As soon as I have time Blair Fraser, Craig Fraser, Jamie Seward from Ironclad are getting mine. I really wish I could name the whole team because they all do great work, but, well, sadly I can't do them all justice